Sharing a more comprehensive report with proper bag shots
Joseph Duclos Thread
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Ok, Fontelie review time...
So overall I am very pleased with this bag. It's a pleasure to carry. I have shoulder-carried and cross-bodied it and I prefer to carry it on the shoulder because of the size, which is exactly right to carry all of my essentials. For those curious about capacity, I find it holds slightly less than my Bolide 31 and Lindy 30s, largely because of the way the sides pinch in and narrow as they go up. You can unbutton the sides for more room, but I don't like the shape that creates with the bag as much. As you can see, it still easily holds everything I need, there is just slightly less "extra" compared to my other bags.
The leather feels lovely - somehow stiff enough to hold its shape but soft and almost suede-like to the touch. I like the closure a lot. The magnet is strong and it's very easy to get in and out of. I also appreciate that I can put stuff in the front pocket without the bag noticeably bulging or becoming hard to close. The matte finish does mean it shows scuffs pretty easily, however. I knew that was likely going to be the case when I bought it, though, and I don't mind.
The cons for me are related to the strap. I wish they made the strap detachable so that you could switch straps out. This is partly because I would like the option of a shorter strap for shoulder carry (not the end of the world, though - I will probably wind up having extra holes punched in the existing strap to be able to carry it higher on the body). It's also because I have found some questionable quality issues with this strap. Those who read earlier in this thread may have seen that I had an issue with the way the strap attached on the first bag they sent me. This one seems to have some finishing issues with the glazing. I tried to capture it in a photo, but it's almost like there are some raw edges in a few places that didn't quite get trimmed or all the way glazed. I'm a little worried that with more wear the leather is going to further fray but I guess we'll see. I didn't notice it before I carried the bag a few times, so it's also possible I did it.
Either way, I'd say Duclos has not replaced Hermes in my heart of hearts, but I'd be open to purchasing another one if they released some comparably sized new bags. As it is, I think the Diane is lovely but both sizes are too small for me, and the Saint Clair is not my style. So, I'd welcome some new models!
So overall I am very pleased with this bag. It's a pleasure to carry. I have shoulder-carried and cross-bodied it and I prefer to carry it on the shoulder because of the size, which is exactly right to carry all of my essentials. For those curious about capacity, I find it holds slightly less than my Bolide 31 and Lindy 30s, largely because of the way the sides pinch in and narrow as they go up. You can unbutton the sides for more room, but I don't like the shape that creates with the bag as much. As you can see, it still easily holds everything I need, there is just slightly less "extra" compared to my other bags.
The leather feels lovely - somehow stiff enough to hold its shape but soft and almost suede-like to the touch. I like the closure a lot. The magnet is strong and it's very easy to get in and out of. I also appreciate that I can put stuff in the front pocket without the bag noticeably bulging or becoming hard to close. The matte finish does mean it shows scuffs pretty easily, however. I knew that was likely going to be the case when I bought it, though, and I don't mind.
The cons for me are related to the strap. I wish they made the strap detachable so that you could switch straps out. This is partly because I would like the option of a shorter strap for shoulder carry (not the end of the world, though - I will probably wind up having extra holes punched in the existing strap to be able to carry it higher on the body). It's also because I have found some questionable quality issues with this strap. Those who read earlier in this thread may have seen that I had an issue with the way the strap attached on the first bag they sent me. This one seems to have some finishing issues with the glazing. I tried to capture it in a photo, but it's almost like there are some raw edges in a few places that didn't quite get trimmed or all the way glazed. I'm a little worried that with more wear the leather is going to further fray but I guess we'll see. I didn't notice it before I carried the bag a few times, so it's also possible I did it.
Either way, I'd say Duclos has not replaced Hermes in my heart of hearts, but I'd be open to purchasing another one if they released some comparably sized new bags. As it is, I think the Diane is lovely but both sizes are too small for me, and the Saint Clair is not my style. So, I'd welcome some new models!
Lovely, fair review. Thanks for sharing.
I'm also looking forward to JD releasing more models. So far I'm only drawn to the Saint-Clair and not much else, for now
Here's a Joseph Duclos artisan talking about how she used to work at Hermès :
Source:
:Source:
Thank you for sharing this! Such a lovely boutique and great to get a peek into the process of hand sewing bags!Here's a Joseph Duclos artisan talking about how she used to work at Hermès
It happened with my Hermes Garden Party after 3 times of using. H fired it perfectly, I'm sure JC will for you.
I hope so, but to have a SECOND issue right after the strap...and after only lightly wearing the bag for about a week. Kind of gobsmacking.
Agreed, that it a bitter pill to swallow. So sorry you have to once again go through this. Fingers crossed for a swift resolution.
Oh my what a nightmare for you!! Hopefully they have a swift resolution you’re happy with
I can’t believe this! I’m shocked!!!!
This review is sooooo good! Thanks for it!! But I just saw what you posted about the snap button and I’m devastated!!
I had very high hopes for this brand! Please let us know how it goes.This is disappointing. Hermès also has issues with snap buttons coming off. I know someone this happened to with a Cityback backpack.
I’m sure JD will fix it for you in no time. But it sucks that you had to endure two defects in a row on the same bag. Hugs.
Random musing: I just realized why the barenia Diane (Diane L20/L26 in Châtaignier) doesn't make my heart sing even when I am obsessed with barenia.
The "convention" for barenia bags has always been with off-white/cream, contrast stitching.
Hermès:
Moynat:
Peter Nitz (himself):
Meanwhile, Joseph Duclos:
Ramesh Nair, who has worked for both Hermès and Moynat, knows about this and has actively gone against the "convention". Maybe to really give the Diane a formal, jewelry look. He doesn't have an issue with barenia having contrast stitching. It appears on the Saint-Clair messenger, which is more of a casual bag.
I guess what I'm saying is that when the Diane L20/L26 in Châtaignier comes with contrast stitching (and matching palladium hardware as default), I'll finally consider a Diane.
(I know JD people read this thread so this post is kinda like my entry for the suggestion box )
The "convention" for barenia bags has always been with off-white/cream, contrast stitching.
Hermès:
Moynat:
Peter Nitz (himself):
Meanwhile, Joseph Duclos:
Ramesh Nair, who has worked for both Hermès and Moynat, knows about this and has actively gone against the "convention". Maybe to really give the Diane a formal, jewelry look. He doesn't have an issue with barenia having contrast stitching. It appears on the Saint-Clair messenger, which is more of a casual bag.
I guess what I'm saying is that when the Diane L20/L26 in Châtaignier comes with contrast stitching (and matching palladium hardware as default), I'll finally consider a Diane.
(I know JD people read this thread so this post is kinda like my entry for the suggestion box
)
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I think you can Special Order it with palladium hardware and contrast stitching. You wouldn’t be asking for something crazy, they have all the materials to make it like that. Ramesh would have to approve it but I think it could easily be done. I think some people in the forum have asked for special orders but not sure if they went through with them.Random musing: I just realized why the barenia Diane (Diane L20/L26 in Châtaignier) doesn't make my heart sing even when I am obsessed with barenia.
The "convention" for barenia bags has always been with off-white/cream, contrast stitching.
Hermès:
View attachment 5875407
Moynat:
View attachment 5875408
Peter Nitz (himself):
View attachment 5875421
Meanwhile, Joseph Duclos:
View attachment 5875422
Ramesh Nair, who has worked for both Hermès and Moynat, knows about this and has actively gone against the "convention". Maybe to really give the Diane a formal, jewelry look. He doesn't have an issue with barenia having contrast stitching. It appears on the Saint-Clair messenger, which is more of a casual bag.
View attachment 5875427
I guess what I'm saying is that when the Diane L20/L26 in Châtaignier comes with contrast stitching (and matching palladium hardware as default), I'll finally consider a Diane.
(I know JD people read this thread so this post is kinda like my entry for the suggestion box